Volunteers bring Halloween to Riley Hospital patients

WHO: Volunteers from local Spirit Halloween stores, patients and families at Riley Hospital for Children

WHAT: Spirit of Children will host a Halloween party for pediatric patients and their families at Riley Hospital for Children, complete with costumes, games and crafts. Costumes will be provided to Riley Hospital patients at no cost.

WHERE: Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health 705 Riley Hospital Drive Indianapolis IN 46202

“Eleven local Spirit of Halloween stores in the Indianapolis area have been raising funds for Riley Kids,” says Chris Eldridge, district manager for New Jersey based Spirit Halloween. “Along with 15 volunteer employees from those area stores, they’ll provide activities for the kids, games and lots of costumes.”

Money raised from the area stores goes directly to Riley to help support funding for Child Life specialists. These pediatric health care professionals work with children and families at Riley to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness and disability.

*Media may park in the Simon Family Tower circle off of Riley Hospital Drive.

About Spirit of ChildrenAt the heart of Spirit Halloween is the Spirit of Children program which focuses on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families. Since its inception in 2006, Spirit of Children has brought smiles, laughter and a much needed escape to thousands of pediatric patients in 134 hospitals across the United States and Canada. One hundred percent of the money collected each year is given directly to the local Child Life Departments at partner hospitals, such as Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health. Spirit of Children’s goal is to raise $6.7 million this year, bringing its total contribution total to more than $28 million since the program’s inception. Spirit encourages customers to head to their local Spirit Halloween store or visit online to make a difference in a child’s life today.

About Riley Children’s FoundationRiley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 300,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Indiana University Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. For more information, visit RileyKids.org.